MANCHESTER UNITED boss David Moyes has stepped up his interest in Porto's French international Eliaquim Mangala.

He has sent trusted scout Robbie Cooke to watch the 23-year old defender, also wanted by neighbours Manchester City, who tried to sign both Mangala and his team-mate Fernando during the January transfer window.

Mangala has a release clause of £38million, a figure both United and City - who face each other in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Tuesday night - would want to reduce.